Joseph Beuys

Drawing for Dominica delle Palme vitrine

1981–5

Not on display

Artist: Joseph Beuys 1921–1986
Medium: Graphite on paper
Dimensions: Support: 210 × 296 mm
Collection: ARTIST ROOMS Tate and National Galleries of Scotland
Acquisition: ARTIST ROOMS Acquired jointly with the National Galleries of Scotland through The d'Offay Donation with assistance from the National Heritage Memorial Fund and the Art Fund 2008
Reference: AR00090

Online caption

This drawing relates to a sculpture which is also in the ARTIST ROOMS Collection. It shows the shape of the glass-topped vitrine, which contains palm leaves and blossom lying on a bed of powdered sulphur. Although the sculpture is dated 1981, this drawing is marked '81-85', suggesting it was made after the sculpture rather than being drawn to plan it. The title of the work hints at Beuys's love of Italy, and includes the name of a Christian feast. The year 1985 saw his work included in the exhibition 'Cross + Symbol, Religious Foundations in the work of Joseph Beuys', as well as being the last time an 'environment' was created by Beuys, for an exhibition in Naples.